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(No Model.)

H. W; SHEPARD. Counter stiffener for Boots and $hoes.

Patented Jan. 18, 188i.

Witnesses a a fizz (222%):

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEO' HENRY TV. SHEPARD, OF BROOKLYN, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO THE METALLIC HEEL STIFFENING COMPANY, OF NEW HAVEN, CONN.

COUNTER-STIFFENER FOR BOOTS AND SHOES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 236,724, dated January 18, 1881.

Application filed June 16, 1880. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, HENRY W. SHEPARD, of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings, in the State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvementsin Gounter-Stiffeners for Boots and Shoes, of which the following specification is a description.

This invention relates to an improvement in counters for boots and shoes; and it consists incombining a metal counter-stiffener with a counter made of two or more strips or thicknesses of leather or other material suitable for this purpose.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a perspective view of my improved counter, showing, by dotted lines, and at or a by full lines, the metal counter-stiffener. Fig. 2 is a side view of the metal counter-stiffener. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a complete counter. Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken on the plane of the line a a, Fig. 1.

The counter is made of two or more layers or thicknesses of leather of the requisite shape and size, and the metal counter-stiffener is inserted between them. I prefer for this purpose eounter-stifteners made in two pieces, like those described and claimed in Reissued Letters Patent N 0. 9,030, of January 6, 1880, excepting the seat-flange, which is dispensed with; but any other metal counter-stiflener suitable for this purpose may be used.

In the example of my inventionshown the counterstiffener is made in two pieces, and the surfaces thereof are provided with a series of transverse and vertical corrugations. These corrugations serve two purposes, as they strengthen the stiffener, thereby permitting the use of very light metal, and at the same time present a rough surface, to which the strips of leather forming the counter adhere, thereby precluding the stifi'ener from slipping out of place.

In the drawings, A designates my improved counter, consisting of two strips of leather made so that one will fit within the other and of the requisite size and shape to form the counter of a boot or shoe. This counter A is provided with a seat-flange, a a, to fit under the insole of the boot or shoe, so that the counter can be fastened to the shoe by the same means and at the same time the heel is attached. The seat-flange may be corrugated, if desired, or may be provided with a series of slots, so as to facilitate its attachment to the boot or shoe; but this is not absolutely necessary.

B B designate the metal counter-stiifener, usually made in two pieces, on the same principle as the counter stay or support described in the letters patent above referred to, and of the requisite size and shape to lit between the strips of leather forming the counter A above the seat-flange a a. This stiffener B B is provided with a series of transverse corrugations, b, and vertical corrugations b. The object of these corrugations is to provide a rough surface for the leather strips forming the counter A, for the purpose hereinafter described.

In 1' notice the leather strips to form the counter A are first made, and then the metal stiffener is inserted between them above the seat-flange a a while the leather is still in a moist state. Pressure is then applied and the parts become firmly cemented together, the wet leather closely adhering to the corrugated stifi'ener.

By this invention I produce a counter for boots and shoes, in the manufacture of which very cheap grades of leather may be used, thereby effecting considerable saving in the first cost of material. Besides this, by means of the metal stiffener, the counter is made strong and durable, and will not be liable to break down, turn over, or irritate the heel of a person wearing boots or shoes to which itis applied. This metal stiffener may, when desired, be made in one piece instead of two.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. An improved counter-stiffener for boots and shoes, consisting of two or more thicknesses of leather or other suitable material and an interposed metal stiffener, all substantially as described.

2. An improved counter-stiffener for boots and shoes, consisting of two or more thicknesses of leather or other suitable material provided with a seat-flange and an interposed corrugated metal stiflener, all substantially as described.

HENRY W. SHEPARD.

Witnesses:

JOHN B. BAKER, ERNEST O. WEBB. 

